Jay Henry, 35, and of St Peter’s Street in Lowestoft admitted the offences and was given a 12 month sentence for one burglary and a six month sentence for another.

Both sentences will be served concurrently.

Henry was also made to pay a £140 victim surcharge by Basildon Crown Court.

On September 16 staff at the care home on York Road in Southend called police at 2.40 am to say that handbags including bank cars and phones had been taken.

A day later, whilst preparing dinner, staff also realised that frozen meat - worth a three figure sum - had also been stolen.

Police were able to look back through CCTV and identify Henry through his distinctive facial tattoos.

He was arrest on January 24 at his home.

Investigating officer Dc David Deats said: “Henry is a calculating and experienced thief who deliberately targeted a care because it was easily accessible and the vulnerability of people inside.

“CCTV from the scene contracted his entire account, insisting that he was looking for food and shelter and mistook the care home for a bed and breakfast.

“The footage showed him deliberately committing the offences with no consideration for the home or victims.”